In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, making a swift impact is crucial, yet Lewis Hamilton finds himself navigating a rocky start at Ferrari. Even with a sprint victory under his belt, Hamilton is feeling the pressure as he adapts to life at Maranello.
Sebastian Vettel, who himself transitioned to Ferrari in 2015, sympathizes with Hamilton’s current predicament. He acknowledges the significant shift in culture and the challenges that come with adapting to a new team. Despite Vettel’s own successful start, finishing on the podium in his first three races, he urges his former rival to remain patient, suggesting that success will come with time. Vettel notes, “It’s a significant shift in culture… adaptation is not only driving. It’s also a lot of the things that happen around the driving.”
Hamilton’s adjustment period is further complicated by the looming presence of Charles Leclerc. Former Ferrari engineer Luigi Mazzola likens Hamilton’s struggle to that of Vettel’s, overshadowed by a formidable teammate. Nevertheless, Vettel reminds us that Hamilton’s impressive track record is no fluke. “I know that he has very high ambitions… he’s working very hard to fix all those things,” Vettel reassures.
Meanwhile, Hamilton’s former teammate George Russell expresses confidence in Hamilton’s eventual success. He believes that Hamilton’s vast experience and skill will eventually lead to more wins, echoing his impressive performance in China where Hamilton seized victory in a sprint. Russell remarks, “We saw it in China… wins the race comfortably… when things start to click… we’ll see more of that magic.”
With insights from Vettel and encouragement from Russell, it is clear that the racing world still holds high expectations for Hamilton at Ferrari. While the journey has hurdles, the confidence surrounding his capabilities suggests that Hamilton’s best days at Ferrari may be just around the corner.
